CLERGYMAN'S RESIGNATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 March 1916, Page 2

CLERGYMAN'S RESIGNATION.

SLANDER AND MALICE ALLEGED. Auckland, February -V. The Rev. J. S. Campbell, who reoentis resigned his position as Congregational minister at Onehunga, explained the circumstances to a crowded public meeting on Sunday. He stated that- slander and malicious gossip had been at work, and his honor had been im;m»ne.;!. His present painful position aro.se because of his refusal to marry anyone save the lady of his own choice'. He" had been on friendly terms with a lady member of his congregation, but their intercourse had never got so far as an engagement, for be had realised that a marriage between them would be unsuitable, although he had always had the greatest respect for the lady and her family. He had been foolish' o niv in allowing his acquaintance with the ladv to proceed so far that he.had mitten certain letters, which the lady'.-' family had made public. It was obvious that he had acted foolishly in writing at all, although there was nothing wrong in the letters. ' The lady herself ma-'e no charge against him; but the lying tongue of the scandalmonger had put stories in circulation until he was compelled to make a public explanation. He intended to remain in Onehunga and fight these lies. He would continue to preach as a missionary, and if need be would work as a tradesman to support himself. A lady present stood up and denounced the persons who had coupled her name with that of the minister, who was loudly applauded at the conclusion of his. remarks.